The purpose of this article is to suggest that there are standards of style in Swahili which every writer, whatever his ethnic origin, should be expected to observe. The changing linguistic situation does not give to any writer freedom to write in Swahili without regard to established standards. There is such a thing as style in Swahili. Knowledge of Swahili vocabulary is not by itself evidence that an African can write with good style in Swahili. Some Africans, even today when there is a turning-away from Arabic borrowings, like to employ Arabic words in order to convince their readers of their knowledge of Swahili. Such words of Arabic origin are sometimes employed where the Swahilis themselves would prefer the Bantu equivalent, if there is one. Some African writers have a good understanding of Swahili grammar, but very little idea as to how in fact the Swahili people express themselves. A sentence may be grammatically correct, but still be unacceptable, because the phrasing or syntax is not according to Swahili practice. (The author comments on two Swahili narratives which depart from normal Swahili usage.) (Author/AMM)